Pad Printing Process Transfer Pad printing, commonly known as Pad printing, is a process invented several hundred years ago in Europe. The main elements of Pad printing are:      The film positive      The printing plate      The ink      The silicone rubber printing pad      The doctor blade or ink cup      The machine The image to be printed is created on the printing plate, normally produced by chemical etching. The plate is generally steel or a nylon photopolymer material. Example of Pad printing Pad printing inks contain solvents. The evaporation of the solvents from the ink is the main mechanism that enables the process to operate. When the ink is contained within the etched image area this evaporation of the solvents causes the surface of the ink to become tacky. The shape of the pad is such that when it compresses on the plate the printing surface of the pad rolls across the plate, as it does it comes in contact with the tacky surface of the ink. The ink sticks to the pad, as the pad lifts the printing surface rolls away from the plate and lifts up the plate from the etching. While the pad moves toward the object to be printed the solvent continues to evaporate from the ink on the pad and the outside surface of the ink becomes tacky. As the pad makes contact with the object and compresses, the print surface of the pad rolls across the object and the pad then lifts and the printing surface of the pad rolls away from the surface of the object and releases the ink leaving it laying on the surface. While this is happening, the etched portion of the plate is re-charged with ink, and the pad returns to pick up another image from the plate. A whole range of variables will affect pad printing. Etch depth; ink condition, ambient conditions, pad shape, surface finish and hardness and machine speed are the key factors. Silk Screening Process Example of Screen printing The Silk-screen process begins with a film positive output from a digital file. The positive is converted into a woven fabric (silk) photo screen which is mounted on a large hinged frame below which the material to be screen has been positioned. The frame is lowered onto the part, and the silk-screen ink is squeezed through the open image areas of the photo screen. The product is then sent through an oven and placed on racks to dry. Screen-printing is generally used instead of Pad printing when an image is to large to pad print or the surface of the part is to rough. Our Sales Process Step 1: Give us a call, e-mail us or fill out our "Request for Quote Form" and fax it back to us. Step 2: We will take this information you give us and decide which is the best process to use for printing on your product. (Pad printing or Screen- printing) Note: we may request to see a sample of your product before finalizing quote. Step 3: Once we have determined which process is best, we will send you a quote at no charge. Step 4: If you are satisfied with the quote, we will ask for a purchase order number from you. Fill out the "Purchase Order Form" or send us your own and send it back to us via, fax, e-mail or hard copy. Step 5: Once we have the purchase order, our graphics department will design your artwork for you, or you can send us your camera-ready artwork. (See Artwork Requirements) Step 6: Once the design is complete, we will send you a design approval sheet for you to sign off on. This sheet will have your graphic design on your product with dimensions and colour or colours to be printed. Step 7: Once we have your proof approval, film will be created from your artwork and a book including instructions how to process your order will be sent to the shop floor. Step 8: Depending on which process was chosen (Pad printing or Screen-printing) A plate or a screen will be made and your order will be processed. Step 9: Once your order has been processed, it will be carefully packed and shipped to you via courier or personal customer pick-up.
	Note: all orders take 5 - 7 business days depending on the product. Rush service - available at additional cost based on quantity/imprint Payment terms - 30 days net for established accounts with approved credit. Deposit required for first time customers

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